Health Ministry worried over possible Shavuot coronavirus outbreak - Inside Israel

Ministry officials concerned over 1-day doubling in number of new coronavirus infections, public behavior over extended holiday weekend.

The Health Ministry is concerned that the second wave of the coronavirus is close at hand and that the extended Shavuot holiday weekend could see another outbreak of the disease.

Ministry officials express concern that due to the gatherings in the synagogues, where up to 70 participants will be allowed, and because of the expected travelling of non-observant Israeli Jews, a significant increase in the number of coronavirus infections could occur.

Health Ministry data showed that 24 new cases of coronavirus were diagnosed over the last 24 hours. There are currently 1,942 active coronavirus cases in Israel. 41 patients remain in serious condition, 38 of whom are on ventilators, an increase of five patients, The number of fatalities remained at 281.

One disturbing figure that the Health Ministry highlighted is that between Monday and Tuesday, there was been doubling in the number of people infected. On Monday, there were 23 new infections, on Tuesday there were 46. In addition, about a fifth of people referred for coronavirus testing choose not to come.

Next week, serological tests will begin in Israel - and because some pre-prepared tests are short - health funds will try to offer them to any patient who receives a blood test.